Unfortunately for CVS Caremark Corp, Family Dollar Stores Inc., and Preferred Fragrance Inc. (who made the knock-offs), Estee Lauder Cosmetic Inc. filed a federal lawsuit against them on Wednesday. Estee Lauder accused CVS and Family Dollar of selling imitation products that used their actual registered trademarks and/or names that were very similar to the original ones.

The suit included accusations of “trademark infringement, false advertising, diluting their trademarks and unfair competition.” It seeks for an injunction to stop CVS and Family Dollar from selling the products and asking for damages of up to $1 million for each individual type of knock-offs.

While I was in the store, I actually tried one of the “Impression” perfumes for fun. In fact, I had tried on an “Impression of Happy by Clinique.” Although the scent was somewhat similar, it was very obvious that it was an imitation because it smelled mustier than the real Clinique Happy. However, if people can’t afford the real one, I don’t think it is a huge deal to buy an imitation if one did not mind the scent difference.

On the other hand, I can see why Estee Lauder and Clinique would be worried about the loss of business from the knock-offs. Then again, if a person is buying an imitation due to its lower price tag, they wouldn’t be buying the real, more expensive version anyway. Not that I am advocating knock-offs, but why not let everyone (who can and cannot afford the authentic product) enjoy the scent as long as it’s not counterfeit and contain questionable ingredients.